Top Trail Journeys are Virtual Challenges open to all — riders and non-riders, who wish to participate with their non-motorized miles tracked via GPS app or device. Miles tracked can be ridden (horse, bicycle), on foot (hiking, jogging, walking) — you can even log your miles swimming in the pool. The objective is to get out and move — and earn a medal for your efforts.
Join the Top Trail Journeys Facebook Group to connect with other participants and share your journey with us. What’s your “why” — how is it going? We love to see the photos of your journey along the way. Do you walk, horseback ride or drive (equine), hike, bike, swim— to get outside, to stay fit, to alleviate stress, something else? Do your dogs tag along? Do you walk your horse, mule, mini, or Llama?
The BLM Wilson Creek Recreation Area on the Owyhee front is currently the “IN” place to be on weekends. Usership is up over 1000% over past years by a number of different groups. Mountain bikers make up the majority currently followed closely by hikers, 4-wheeler & side-by-sides, and then horseman. While it is still possible to ride trails where your are more likely to see hawks and coyotes then people, popular trails through some of the amazing canyons can be crowded. But the biggest issue currently is parking. 
By 09:00 on Saturday March 13, 2021 the main parking lot was 60% full of cars with a majority of them carrying one or more bikes, by 10:30 that lot had filled and cars were parking outside the designated area.
Members of BCHI who arrived around 09:00 made the choice to use the overflow parking north of the main area as a number of trailers were expected, this area also quickly filled and other riders continued past both areas to other level areas further up Wilson Creek road. The BLM and a number of mountain bike user groups like SWIMBA and Rolling H Cycle, and the Idaho Horse Council and BCHI have formed a working committee the “Wilson Creek Trails Coalition” to work together to work to reduce conflicts and parking issues to ensure all users have a positive experience. BCHI have a number of members on this committee, for Squaw Butte that member is Sharie Fitzpatrick who happens to live near the area and rides it often.
On March 13 our chapter ride at Wilson Creek was very well attended and with quick thinking by Arlyn and Dave we were able to for the most part park together in the overflow lot.
As the weather was almost perfect and it appeared that a majority of the bikers were heading south west out of the main parking lot towards Wilson Creek and Hard Trigger Canyons, the group headed east in the general direction of the China Ditch canyon. While we did see a number of bikers and spoke to a few for the most part they were in the distance and did not present any issues. While we were in the China Ditch canyon itself we didn’t meet any other users until we reached the southern end where you climb out of the canyon heading back west. There we met a dozen bikers and a number of hikers. We stopped and talked to them for a while before continuing our loop.
By 14:00 we were back at the trailers, and while many cars had left, still more were arriving. Let’s hope that the various user group that love this area working together can find ways for us to continue enjoying this treasure with out loving it to death. If you are interested in working with this committee contact Ann Potcher ampotcher@gmail.com
Burk’s new book tells essential story of Montana’s wild places
What better thing could a bunch of old timers leave for us before taking off to those fabled “happy hunting grounds” than to tell us the story, and maybe show us a few pictures as well, of the most remarkable places they’ve been, the marvelous things they’ve seen, and the deep respect they’ve gained for everything wild in Montana. A couple of old timers, Dale Burk of Stevensville and Wayne Chamberlin of Helena, along with over 70 other writers and photographers, have done just that in the new book, “A Wild Land Ethic – The Story of Wilderness in Montana.”
Co-editors Burk and Chamberlin have managed to pull together a masterful collection of stories and photos from some of the most dedicated and influential wilderness advocates in the state, each one giving us a glimpse into the awesome majesty of the wild, informing us of its intrinsic value and conveying the need to protect Montana’s wildlife and wild places for future generations. The book is dedicated to the late Ken and Florence Baldwin of Bozeman, early advocates in Montana for wilderness preservation and founders of the Montana Wilderness Association.
At the BCHA newsletter office, we know these challenging times are hard on everyone, especially with concerns over holiday gatherings and such. The BCHA newsletter is a touchstone for all across the country who share a love of packing and riding in the beautiful wilderness. The newsletter is a reminder that things can and will get back to normal. Please help me fill a few pages.
My best wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season,
Sherry Jennings
Send your stories, articles and pictures to
Sherry Jennings at BCHAEditor@comcast.net
From: Randy Rasmussen
Sent: Wed, 23 Sep 2020
Subject: Re: Reminder and Update: National Directors Call
BCHA National Directors:
Regarding our conversation this evening about Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) funding, which is intended to address “priority deferred maintenance” over the next 5 years, the take-home message is this:
1. All interested BCH states/chapters should contact their local US Forest Service office to provide input on trail maintenance projects important to horsemen and that can be implemented in Fiscal Years (FYs) 2022 through 2025.
– The list of projects is more-or-less set in stone for FY’21, which starts October 1st–but they’ll need your help next field season with many of these too!
- Most, if not all, USFS District Rangers and Forest Supervisors are well aware of the GAOA and scrambled within the past several weeks to develop their lists for FY’21.
– They should be reaching out to your chapters in short order, to develop their lists for FY’22 and beyond. Plus, there should be future “public listening sessions” for such input.
– Either way, contact your local USFS officials *within the next few weeks* to let them know of your interest in providing input on specific trail maintenance needs (and how your chapter can help, including whether entering into a Cost-Share Agreement would be viewed as beneficial by local USFS officials). - As a result of the 2016 National Forest System Trails Stewardship Act (aka,”Trails Act”), the USFS identified 15 priority areas throughout the nation to demonstrate progress in addressing the trail maintenance backlog.
– A map and description of those areas can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/trails/priority-areas - The priority areas were established at a time when the USFS did not have special funding to address, in a broad fashion, their trail maintenance backlog. Now that GAOA funding will be available over the next 5 years. T
– The agency will no doubt look far beyond these 15 priority areas to address priority deferred maintenance for trails. So don’t despair if your local forest is not within the current priority areas!
5. As Chairman Wallace said, for those chapters involved in trail maintenance projects with the BLM, National Park Service and US Fish & Wildlife Service, you are encouraged to also reach out to them to inquire about how you can help set priorities and engage in their use of GAOA funding.
Best, Randy Rasmussen, M.S.
Director, Public Lands & Recreation | Back Country Horsemen of America
WildernessAdvisor@bcha.org | 541.602.0713 | www.bcha.org
CONTACT US: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/r4/about-region/contactus/?cid=fsbdev3_016050
Boise National Forest – 2020
Tawnya Brummett – Forest Supervisor
Kandice Cotner – Acting Deputy Forest Supervisor
1249 South Vinnell Way, Suite 200
Boise, ID 83709
208-373-4100
Lucky Peak Nursery
15169 East Highway 21
Boise, ID 837
208-343-1977
Cascade Ranger District
Jake Strohmeyer – District Ranger
PO Box 696
540 North Main Street
Cascade, ID 83611
208-382-7400
Emmett Ranger District
Katie Wood – District Ranger
1805 Highway 16, Room 5
Emmett, ID 83617
208-365-7000
Idaho City Ranger District
John Wallace – District Ranger
PO Box 129
Highway 21, Milepost 38.3
Idaho City, ID 83631
208-392-6681
Lowman City Ranger District
John Kidd – District Ranger
7359 Highway 21
Lowman, ID 83637
208-259-3361
Mountain Home Ranger District
Stephaney Kerley – District Ranger
2180 American Legion Boulevard
Mountain Home, ID 83647
208-587-7961
TO: Rod Parks
Just so folks aren’t overwhelmed with all the documents I sent you, the Regional Forester letter and 7 attachments are meant as a “packet” for the local Forest Service unit to be able to implement this framework (such as the template letter and template wording that local Forest Service staff will add to a volunteer agreement so a volunteer who is a designated firearm user for stock euthanasia is covered for workers’ compensation).
The three documents that will be relevant for BCH members will be the Qualification Inquiry, the list requesting folks who would like to be considered for designation, and the Job Hazard Analysis (specific to firearm use). The other documents in the packet are to help the local FS unit understand the framework and pull all the other pieces of this together, to help make it go as smooth as possible.
Also, as clarification, the Forest Service policy re: volunteers and firearms isn’t new — it’s been in place for many years (I’ve shared it below). What is being “piloted” in R1 is a framework to help make the policy more workable for volunteers who would need firearms for stock euthanasia.
Here’s the current policy:
Forest Service Manual (FSM) 1833.12 – Volunteers Using Firearms
Volunteers may carry firearms in situations where field-going employees (except law enforcement employees) would carry them. Such volunteers must receive appropriate training and certification for firearm use and meet any other requirements for firearms handling.
I hope that helps!
FROM: Rod Parks
Below is the official version of the Volunteer Firearm Users Policies & Forms. Only three attachments are pertinent to BCHI members.
Also Attached is a letter from Joni Packard that has the policy explained in a simple version.
BCHI members need reminded that this policy currently is a pilot program in Region 1 only and does not apply if any chapters are using a Challenge Cost Share Agreement to perform volunteer projects.
It is only offered if your chapter is volunteering on a signed Volunteer Agreement.
Another note, Joni Packard has retired so any questions should be emailed to David Sabo
Email: Dave Sabo <david.sabo@usda.gov>
Thanks, Rod Parks BCHI Chairman
R1 JHA Volunteer_firearm_animal_disposal -signed
5300_FY20AgencyDesignatedVolFirearmStockEuthanasia
Euthanize a Horse in an Emergency with Gun
BCHI Members:
Bill Conger has done a fantastic job as Insurance Coordinator for many years, but he advised me that he is ready to pass this position on to a new member with BCHI.
Please consider volunteering to take over this position as a state director. If you are not interested, please pass this email on to all your chapter members, as a person does not have to be a director to hold the position, just a member of any chapter. An insurance background may be beneficial, but not required.
The Liability Insurance Policy only covers participants from the public that attend events and activities sponsored by BCHI Chapters. It does not cover any BCHI members.
Below is a job description for you to review. Also there is information and forms on the BCHI Website at https://www.bchi.org/documents.htm under “Public Events Liability Insurance”.
Please contact me by phone or email me with any questions and if you are willing to volunteer for this position.
Thanks,
Rod Parks
BCHI Chairman, 208-791-3246, rod.d.parks@gmail.com
June 15, 2020 Update
Welcome our new BCHI Insurance Coordinator,
Corey L Dwinell
841 N Boulder Ct #A
Post Falls ID 83854
208-661-4265
email: Corey L Dwinell <coreysfarmers@gmail.com>
“If my world should end today I will have led a good life. My bucket list is not overflowing with unfulfilled dreams. Oh, there are a lot of things that I’d still like to do, but most of them I’ve done already and simply want to do again or do in new places. My regrets do not involve unfulfilled dreams, they involve leaving the people behind that are most dear to me and have comprised the fabric and color of my life.
As a boy growing up in South Dakota, I was inspired by the movie cowboys – Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Randolph Scott, and others – of heroes on horses or sitting at a campfire singing and playing a guitar while the sun set in the west, and then, of course, riding off into the sunset with a beautiful girl at my side. I was never a cowboy, but I’ve ridden many miles of high country trail, smelled horse sweat and listened to the creak of a saddle, and I’ve been blessed with the love of a good woman, my wife, life partner, and best friend, and the company of a number of good horses and dogs. Money cannot buy the experiences I’ve enjoyed. I did it all.
I have lived my dreams. While many people hope they are able to take a vacation once a year, my life has been a vacation. My work has involved two very important elements of my dreams: working with horses and working in the wilderness. I never had a job in the Forest Service that didn’t involve wilderness, including some very spectacular wildernesses – the Bob Marshall, the Bridger, and the Selway-Bitterroot, and I was able to enjoy them from horseback. After the Forest Service, I worked with the Back Country Horsemen of America for 16 years working to preserve the opportunity for equestrians to enjoy horses and mules in wilderness and backcountry. For me, work and recreation seemed to merge into one.
I have spent most of my adult life preserving and protecting god’s resources. Unless we can feel the beauty of our wildlands down deep in our souls and understand that they are a gift from God, we can foolishly believe that God created the earth and its resources for the sole purpose of our exploitation. The Bible tells us to “Follow the desires of your heart and your eyes, but know that God will bring you to judgement for all these things.” Ecclesiastes 11:9. Geoghegan and Homan interpret this passage to mean: “The chief aim of life – given the inevitability of death – is to enjoy life before we grow old,…but live life to the fullest while still living right.” (The Bible for Dummies) I pray that by following my passion that I have recognized and used the tools and abilities that God gave me to accomplish the purpose that he had in mind when he created me.”
Dennis leaves behind his wife Liz, children Lesley (Chuck) Wenz, David Dailey, and Michael Dailey (Stacey) and Michael’s children Rylee and Sam. Dennis served 8 years in the Air Force.
In lieu of formal services, Dennis and his family encourage you to stroll the trails at the CCC Ponds outside of Pinedale, Wyoming, and allow God’s gifts of nature to feed your soul in any way you choose.
This is what Steve Didier sent out about Dennis:
Dennis Dailey was an icon who had a profound affect on BCH, locally and at the National level. He was instrumental in the formation of the North Central Idaho BCH chapter when he was District Ranger of the only all wilderness District in the Region. And he quickly became my mentor in the depths of wilderness law and management. Subsequently he guided me and BCHA in public lands advocacy and management. We spent countless hours together in public lands meetings and travel, all the while he was guiding state organizations like California BCH in their legal struggles on overreaches in Forest Service Region 6.
Sadly we grew apart when he and his wife Liz moved back to Wyoming, none the less, his passing is deeply felt by me and all who knew him.
Happy celestial trails Dennis, till we meet again.
from Rod Parks
Dennis was a long time member of BCH of North Central Idaho and a state director for many years. He and his wife Liz moved to Wyoming when he retired. He was never a National Director of BCHA that I can remember, but for many years he was the Wilderness Advisor to BCHA. I called Dennis many times when I was a BCHI National Direcctor for guidance when we were going through the Trail Classification Task with BCH and the forest service. He was a wealth of information and always willing to help and advise.
| 2019: | |
| Volunteer Hours Report by Category | |
| Volunteer Hours Report by Chapter | |
| Volunteer Hours Analysis |
Montana 2019 Miles & Hours
Facebook Pages: Treasure Valley Squaw Butte
This morning, as per the Foundation meeting last evening, I created a post on the Treasure Valley Back Country Horsemen of Idaho FaceBook site about the BCHI Foundation and SmileAmazon. At this point, I’ve texted someone at the following chapters asking them to “Share” the TVBCHI Foundation post to their FaceBook sites: (it is the first post TVBCHI FaceBook site): Eagle Rock, Cache Peak, Portneuf River, Squaw Butte, Priest River Valley, Selkirk, and Twin Rivers. I could not find an active site for the other chapters. However, if I’ve missed a chapter, please bring the post up in FaceBook and share to your FB sites.
Thank you,
Alice Millington
Foundation Secretary
208-475-4107
Treasure Valley Chapter – Facebook Page
New Year Greetings to Squaw Butte BCHI Members,
The 2020 BOD Meeting and Convention information and registration form is on the BCHI website on the Activities’ page http://www.bchi.org/activities.htm. Please open it and read through it. There are substantial savings for registering early, rather than later, because we want members who have never attended to join us for the convention: $70 for person and only $120 per couple. Early registrations will be postmarked before March 1st. We are also offering substantial discounts for young attendees, whether members or not, at only $20 per ticket for the dinner/convention. And, we are selling dinner tickets for adults who wish to attend the social hour, dinner, and live auction, only, at $25.
All delegates must pay the full convention registration fee if they are voting delegates, and all BCHI members who attend the convention for the day, regardless if they vote, must pay the full–$70 single, $120 couple (early fees) or $85 per person (after Feb. 29)–registration fee.
We have placed the option of paying only $25 for dinner as a courtesy in the case someone’s travel partner or friend wants to attend dinner. A $25 dinner ticket holder will be allowed in the building at 5:00pm.
We have different fees to allow for flexibility, in the hope that more members will attend. We want all to take advantage of the savings without taking advantage of us and the costs of putting on the convention. (And, though not explained in the website info, part of the fees go to pay for Friday’s meetings.
We have placed a little information about motels and eateries on the site as well. Please note that to get a room at the Best Western Plus Peppertree across the parking lot from the Nampa Civic Center, the venue for the convention, you must click into the Best Western Motel Reservation URL, Best Western Motel Reservation URL ; scroll down to see Backcountry Horsemen discount prices. I believe that the Best Western would only reserve 20 rooms for this function, so log in early. For those who cannot use a computer, we are reserved under Backcountry Horsemen under Group ID #Z81XT6F7.
Please take the time to read through the information on the BCHI website, which may change, slightly, as we near the events. We have three great presentations on Saturday from Madison Seamons (stock care–very entertaining), Cheryl Bice (emergency care), and Alayne Blickel (managing your horse pasture/corral areas)…so get on board and get your registrations in early.
Alice Millington
Treasure Valley BCHI President
McCall, ID
millington0606@gmail.com
208-475-4107
Every member of a volunteer trail crew who operates a chainsaw or crosscut on public land need to complete USFS sawyer training. This is the same training that USFS seasonal employees are required to complete and is designed to keep the crews safe. In years past this training was only available directly from the USFS, but due to the 2016 Saw Policy revision FSM 2358.05 it is now possible for organizations like Back Country Horsemen members with proper training and endorsements to train Trail Volunteers.
The 2016 National Saw Policy applies to all activities on National Forest System lands (NFS) that involve the use of saws, unless a separate interagency agreement covers that activity. The Forest Service Saw Program provides direction on qualifications, training, evaluation, and certification requirements for Forest Service employees, volunteers, Training Consultants, and cooperators using saws on NFS lands.
A Sawyer. An apprentice sawyer who may saw only in the least complex situations or, for training purposes, at the next higher level and in either case only under the immediate supervision of a B or C Sawyer qualified to supervise the work.
B Sawyer ̶ Bucking Only An intermediate Sawyer who may independently buck and limb any size material in moderately complex situations within the restrictions noted on the sawyer’s National Sawyer Certification Card and who may saw at the next higher level, but only under the immediate supervision of a sawyer qualified to supervise the work.
C Sawyer ̶ Bucking Only An advanced sawyer who may independently buck and limb any size material in highly complex situations based on the Regional Saw Program Manager’s or Saw Program Coordinator’s written recommendation, which must be supported by demonstrated advanced saw knowledge and skills and, in most cases, certification as a B Sawyer (FSM 2358.1, ex. 02); who may conduct classroom and field training within their skill level for A and B Sawyers; and who may conduct field proficiency evaluations within their skill level for A Sawyers and B Sawyers ̶ Bucking Only
Back Country Horsemen of Idaho has a number of members who have completed the required training, have the experience and required endorsements and have been conducting classes working in partnership with the USFS in region 1 and 4.
Certification need to be renewed every three years, so if your certification card has expired or doesn’t look like this, you need to attend a sawyer workshop in 2020. Contact one of the Sawyer instructors listed above to learn about a training opportunity near by.
Link to Website
For Back Country Horsemen of Oregon Demonstrations BCHA Demonstrations
Randy Rasmussen, BCHA Partnering for Generational Stewardship of Wilderness
2019 is coming to a close. Thank you for your membership and dedication to BCHA.
We understand this is a busy time of year. You can exponentially impact our efforts by fundraising on behalf of BCHA. Create a Facebook fundraiser, refer a friend, gift a membership; becoming a fundraiser ensures we can continue reaching others and enabling great work like this to continue.
Thank you for believing in our mission and supporting our efforts of keeping trails open for you.
Check out the BCH Work Party Video from Umatilla, WA
http://www.bcha.org/home-mem/
http://www.bcha.org/education/
US Forest Service Trail Fundamentals
As a BCHA member who communicates to the Forest Service on public trail issues should be familiar with the trail fundamentals that include five key concepts that are cornerstones of Forest Service trail maintenance and management, Trail Type, Trail Class, Managed Use, Designed Use, and Trail Design Parameters.
This training was given to BCH members at a previous national convention, it is available for download.
Introduction to Trail Classifications, Download – PDF, and PDF1
Part 1 –Why we need to be Concerned, Download – PDF, or PPT Presentation
Part 2 – Understanding Trail Fundamentals, Download – PDF, or PPT Presentation
Part 3 – Approaches for Obtaining and Validating Data, Download – PDF, or PPT Presentation
Part 4 – Example Responses, Download – PDF, or PPT Presentation
Planning Process, Download – PPT Presentation
This is a reminder that Giving TrailsDay is 12/3/19. Our goal is $5,000. Two very generous donors are matching your donation up to a combined $1,500! But why stop there? Facebook will also match up to $7 million, on a first come first serve basis, so you must make your donation on our BCHA Facebook page at 8:00 a.m. ET, 5:00 a.m. PT on 12/3/19. 100% of your donation comes to BCHA when donated through Facebook and supports our work of keeping trails open for you! Click the above dates to easily add this important date to your calendar.
And watch this fun video of the amazing work we’re doing sent in by Danny Riddle, High Desert BCH, Nevada!
https://drive.google.com/file/
AMAZONSMILE – how to sign up (BCHI Foundation)
About AmazonSmile
What is AmazonSmile?
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. You can choose from over one million organizations to support.
How do I shop at AmazonSmile?
To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.
Which products on AmazonSmile are eligible for charitable donations?
Tens of millions of products on AmazonSmile are eligible for donations. You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages. Recurring Subscribe-and-Save purchases and subscription renewals are not currently eligible.
Can I use my existing Amazon.com account on AmazonSmile?
Yes, you use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. Your shopping cart, Wish List, wedding or baby registry, and other account settings are also the same.
How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile?
On your first visit to AmazonSmile smile.amazon.com, you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.
Can I change my charity?
Yes, you can change your charity any time. Your AmazonSmile purchases after the change count towards your newly selected charity. To change your charity, sign in to smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone browser and simply select “Change your Charity” in “Your Account.”
What charities can I choose from?
You can choose from over one million eligible 501(c)(3) public charitable organizations.
What if my selected charity does not register to participate in the AmazonSmile program or becomes ineligible?
If your selected charity does not register to participate, becomes ineligible, or requests to be removed from the program, you will have a chance to select a different charity to receive the accrued donations that have not yet been disbursed to your charity. If you do not select a different charity, the accrued donations will be distributed to other organizations receiving donations.
If I represent a charitable organization, how can I learn more about registering my organization for AmazonSmile?
Go to org.amazon.com to learn how to register your organization to receive donations.
How much of my purchase does Amazon donate?
The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any rebates and excluding shipping & handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges. From time to time, we may offer special, limited time promotions that increase the donation amount on one or more products or services or provide for additional donations to charitable organizations. Special terms and restrictions may apply. Please see the relevant promotion for complete details.
Can I receive a tax deduction for amounts donated from my purchases on AmazonSmile?
Donations are made by the AmazonSmile Foundation and are not tax deductible by you.
How can I learn more about AmazonSmile?
Please see complete AmazonSmile program details.
As Chairman, I want to communicate directly with you about litigation that BCHA and its partners filed last week in Federal District Court in order to protect our ongoing use and enjoyment of national forest trails. BCHA rarely enters into litigation. The last time we did so was in 2006, when the US Forest Service unilaterally, and without seeking public review and comment, proposed a change in its Trail Classification Standards that would have harmed the interests of BCHA and its membership. We ended up settling that lawsuit with the agency and, remarkably, our relationship ended up stronger as a result.
Tahoe National Forest Authorization of Electric Bikes on 132 Miles of Non-Motorized Trails
On October 23rd, 2019, the Western Environmental Law Center (WELC) filed a lawsuit with the Eastern California Federal District Court on behalf of BCHA, BCH California and its Mother Lode Unit, The Wilderness Society and two local organizations over the Tahoe National Forest’s stealth authorization of electric bike (e-Bike) use on 132 miles of non-motorized trails. The authorization happened early this summer and without any opportunity for public review, comment, and environmental analyses. The text of the lawsuit can be found here. For more background on this and the broader e-Bike issue, please refer to the Public Lands Report in BCHA’s Fall 2019 newsletter.
BCHA has never been quick to support litigation. It can result in strained relationships and comes with several potential downsides, including not yielding the result we might want. But in this case, members of our co-plaintiff team were consistently rebuffed by personnel from the Tahoe National Forest when we inquired about this (unannounced) change in policy. In addition, our joint “demand letter” to the Forest Supervisor, which we submitted on September 9, 2019, went unanswered. Given the magnitude of pressure being exerted by e-Bike proponents on federal land management agencies, we felt compelled to take a stand.
Objectives of the Lawsuit
Our primary objectives for filing this lawsuit were to compel the Tahoe National Forest to rescind its approval of e-Bike use on non-motorized trails, close these trails to e-Bike use, and to cease advertising the new system of trails via the forest’s website. If the agency still felt compelled to re-designate trails for e-Bike use, we would insist on a public process where all stakeholders could review and provide formal comment. We further hope the lawsuit will act to place a “freeze” on any national forest that might be poised to authorize e-Bikes on non-motorized trails in the absence of a transparent and public process.
Next Steps
WELC has yet to be notified about which judge the District Court will assign to this case. Importantly, the filing of the lawsuit should not affect your day-to-day interactions with the US Forest Service. If anything, it might serve as a feather in our cap that demonstrates to agency personnel BCHA’s commitment to, and support of, the need for a full public process when decisions are made that affect trail classification standards and trail management objectives. I would be interested to hear from you if, however, you receive any negative feedback from Forest Service personnel regarding the lawsuit. It never hurts to better understand any criticisms leveled at BCHA and our tactics in keeping pack and saddle stock trails open and enjoyable to our membership.
Should you or your chapter receive any inquiries from the press/media about this case, please convey that BCHA’s spokesperson on this issue is Randy Rasmussen, BCHA’s Director for Public Lands & Recreation (WildernessAdvisor@bcha.org). Please refrain from providing your personal opinion to the media, as BCHA wants to ensure our public message remains consistent with that of our fellow co-plaintiffs.
Working Proactively to Address Threats to Our Mission
I hope you’ll agree that by taking this action, BCHA is being proactive on behalf of our membership in order “to perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses (and mules!) in America’s backcountry and wilderness.” I believe this is yet another valuable role that BCHA serves our 31 states and nearly 200 chapters. Moreover, BCHA’s exploration and implementation of this lawsuit was done in close coordination with, and with the unanimous support of, BCH California and its Mother Lode Unit. As Chairman, it’s another example of the incredible value that is realized when all three elements—BCHA national, BCH state, and the local BCH chapter—work in unison to advance the interests of our membership.
Respectfully, Darrell Wallace Chairman